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This dream safari combines exquisite game lodges and our own private safari camps set on Masai-owned lands adjoining the Serengeti—right in the heart of the action with no one else around! Legendary Ngorongoro Crater, the great herds of the wild Serengeti, off-road 4WD wildlife adventures, night game drives, exciting game walks with Masai trackers—it’s the ultimate safari adventure!

This is a country on the cusp and on the move. I think you all do a great job exposing us to many of the terrains, the changes to a modern county, the hardships and joys of a nomadic life, the warmth and hospitality of the people, the culture, song dance, traditions, music, and art and religion of the people. Thank you for making it all possible.Sue Z.—San Anselmo, CA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.

Departure Notes

Resources

Mongolia is a vast and magnificent land, its immense grasslands dotted with the gers of nomads and thriving Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. On our active journey across seldom-visited regions, you’ll explore ancient Karakorum, capital of Genghis Khan’s empire, and hike alongside volcanic lakes and dinosaur fossil beds in the exquisitely beautiful Arkhanghai province. Along the way, you’ll stop to share tea with nomad families in their gers, hike and kayak at ethereal Hovsgol, one of the largest and clearest lakes in the world, and in the company of local villagers, attend the Nadaam Festival (July departure), with its archery, Mongolian-style wrestling, and wild cross-country horse races. Our optional extension brings you to the petroglyphs and Flaming Cliffs of the legendary Gobi Desert.

Itinerary at a Glance

From Ulaanbaatar, we head across the unfenced grasslands to Hustain Nuruu National Park for sightings of prehistoric wild horses. In the Orkhon Valley, our hike gives you sweeping views over ancient Karakorum, and we’ll explore the splendid temples and frescoes of Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s oldest monastery.

Days 10-16
Lake Hovsgol

Hike, kayak, and try Mongolian horseback riding at exquisite Lake Hovsgol (5,000’), set among pristine forests and known as Mongolia’s “Dark Blue Pearl.” Our July departure includes the Naadam Festival in the village of Hatgal, where we’ll see spirited archery, wrestling, and a thrilling horse race across the steppes. Depart on Day 16 via Ulaanbaatar or join our Gobi Desert Extension.

Optional Extensions

What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 3, Moderate. Although there is only minimal hiking, this trip involves rugged travel conditions in remote locations, simple accommodations in gers (yurts), and rough roads. Roads outside Ulaanbaatar are unpaved and often very bumpy and dusty. In most cases, travel on these roads will be done in Russian four-wheel drive vans, which are not up to western SUV standards, but are reasonably comfortable. In Ulaanbaatar, our overnights are in a well-located hotel with modern amenities. Our ger camps are simple two-person yurt-style tents with beds, sheets and blankets, and small stoves for heat. Toilet and shower facilities are separate from the gers and shared by all participants. The weather can be unpredictable. We’ll have many beautifully clear and sunny days with bright blue skies, but come prepared for at least some rain, wind, and some very cold nights and mornings. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 30F! A dusting of snow is not uncommon here at this northern latitude, even in the summer.

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure:
20%
of trip cost
60 days prior to departure:
Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

More than 90 days prior to departure: No charge!90-46 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Internal Airfare Payment, Change, and Cancellation Fee Schedule:* Payment for Internal Air will be collected from each trip member approximately three to six months (or even more) prior to departure, depending on flight availability and seasonal ticketing deadlines. Once issued, internal air tickets are subject to a $100 per person fee for any changes or cancellation until 60 days prior to the trip. Within 60 days of the trip, all tickets are non-refundable. The name on your tickets must match your passport exactly, and any name changes are subject to these same fees. We therefore request that you send us a scanned copy of your passport photo page immediately upon reserving your trip. Internal Air payments and cancellation fees are in addition to Trip Cost payments and cancellation fees as noted above.

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Trip Cost Includes:

Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader

Accommodations in rustic gers and a comfortable hotel in Ulaanbaatar

All meals included

Entrance fees to museums and sites described in the itinerary

Sightseeing, land transportation, and airport transfers as noted

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders, staff, and ger camps, any additional hotel nights that may be needed due to your international travel schedule, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace

Explore the Cradle of Chinese Civilization

Exploring the Heart of Asia’s Most Remote Hinterland

Cultural Adventures, Walking
5 days
-
Level 2

Client Comments

This is a country on the cusp and on the move. I think you all do a great job exposing us to many of the terrains, the changes to a modern county, the hardships and joys of a nomadic life, the warmth and hospitality of the people, the culture, song dance, traditions, music, and art and religion of the people. Thank you for making it all possible.
Sue Z., San Anselmo, CA

I loved the music and dance events, which were all extraordinary, and I loved the visits to family gers at their camps and other interactions with people. We had some really lovely encounters. I loved the scenery and wildflowers, and enjoyed some birdwatching along the way.
Hala A., Oakland, CA